Gloria Lou Pautz

Gloria Lou Pautz, 86, long-time resident of San Luis Obispo, California, passed away from complications of chronic illness Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.

The eldest of three children, Gloria was born in 1936 to Harry and Agnes Stewart in Tiffin, followed by her brother, Robert, and sister, Judith. After graduating from high school in 1954, she attended Kent State University, where she earned a B.A. in Special Education. She taught in Cleveland for several years before packing up her things in a convertible and moving to Oakland, California. While in Oakland, she performed in a variety of musicals at Oakland Light Opera and worked at an insurance company, which fired her for "dressing like a beatnik" (or so the story went).

In 1962, she relocated to San Luis Obispo to teach at Chris Jesperson School. While working there, she met her future husband, Roland Pautz. They were married in Vancouver, Washington, in 1964. Gloria stayed home to raise their daughter, but returned to work, teaching special needs adults at Friendship School in the 1980s and worked there until Roland retired from teaching at Cal Poly in 1995. They enjoyed many years of retirement together until Roland passed away in 2015.

Gloria remained active in the community until shortly before her death. She served a term on San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury in the early 1980s, was member of various writing groups for many years, and because she never learned to drive, was often seen about town on her bicycle wearing a jaunty cap well into her 80s. She was able to live independently until just a few months before her death and was deeply grateful for the friends and neighbors who watched out for her after the death of her husband.

Gloria leaves behind a daughter, Rebecca Bocchicchio; son-in-law, Michael Bocchicchio; granddaughter, Gabriella; sister, Judy Osmon; and sister in-law, Shirley Stewart. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A service is planned for 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church, 1010 Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo, California.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Feline Network of the Central Coast, from which Gloria adopted her much loved (but ill-named) cat, Serena.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Advertiser-Tribune on Sep. 24, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Gloria Pautz

Sponsored by Cochrane & Wagemann Funeral Directors.

3 Entries

Karen Juran

October 15, 2022

On this, the day of Gloria´s Memorial Service, a few thoughts...

From the first time we met, back in 1996, we were constant friends (and colleagues in Writing.)
All of us so enjoyed her stories about the three feisty Senior ladies and their amusing "adventures." There was a little of Gloria in each one-avid curiosity, a sharp wit and being strong willed.
Since she didn´t drive, I´d let her know if I was coming into the "Big City" of SLO (from Los Osos).
We shared delightful conversations and antidotes while running errands our having lunch together. Being adventurous, she often had a newspaper clipping about a restaurant we hadn´t yet tried and thus we kept adding to our list of favorite places to eat.
Then, of course, were our twice a month Writers Workshops. She and Terry Sanville alternated as Hosts. At HER home, she always had the living room decorated with subtle reminders of the Season or Holiday with coordinating serving dishes and napkins-so festive.
When we met at Terry´s, I´d swing by to pick her up and after the Workshop she insisted I let her treat me to lunch, (over my strenuously saying, "That´s not necessary, Gloria!")
She was even more strong willed than ME and I´m notoriously strong willed!
In her backyard, is an enormous, prolific Orange tree. The fruit is large, juicy and delicious. At first, she´d have a bag of Oranges prepared for me to take home. As time when by, she asked me to pick them myself. My Daughter, Angela, ADORES Gloria´s Oranges. Before seeing her in San Diego, Gloria encouraged me to pick a bag for Angela. They were greatly appreciated.
When Elsa van Der Laaken (also born in 1936!), joined the Writer´s group, Gloria and I took an instant liking to her forthright, kind and multicultural spirit. We became known as the "Tres Amigas" (Three Friends). For years and years, the "Ted Amigas" could be seen dining, shopping and celebrating together.
Unfortunately, The pandemic kept us apart for two and a half years.
When the "All clear" was given and we began to cautiously emerge back into the World, we had only a few months to enjoy each other´s company. In the Spring of 2022 our little group became separated, again.
Elsa´s family encouraged her to move from SLO to live near them in Southern California. It was an extremely difficult decision. However, this past Summer, she, with her Daughter Anna´s generous assistance, did make the move.
During that s same period of time, Gloria´s health took a terrible turn for the worse. Although I sent "Get Well" cards and gifts, our only real communications were by phone with very brief updates.
I was overwhelmingly grateful to know how blessed she was-having Rebecca and Gabby to constantly surround her with caring, support and love.
I treasure the memories of my times with Gloria. She will ALWAYS be a precious part of me. Her generosity, kindness, love and just being "Gloria," filled my days with joy and made me a better person.
I miss you so MUCH my darling friend...
Love you forever and EVER... Karen

Elsa van der Laaken

October 10, 2022

Thinking about Gloria who was always such a welcome host for our writer's group meetings.
She regularly contributed with whimsical stories about old people that made us laugh! I often think of her now that I have landed in a retirement community myself!
My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Please know that Gloria was greatly respected and loved.
Elsa van der Laaken.

Lora

September 13, 2022

May God´s loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very difficult time. Matthew 5:4

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